OCZ Roadster 1GB Flash Memory Stick review

The OCZ Roadster is a new ultra-portable memory stick that features a "top-down" design. Contrary to most other flash drives the OCZ Roadster doesn't have a cap that you can lose. Instead it features a convertible design, with one flip the USB connector comes out the black protective cover.



Here's the package in which the OCZ Roadster arrives. It's one of those typically hard to open plastic packages that we all hate ;) Bad for the consumer but positive for shop owners because thieves can't easily open these packages.



Like you can see in the pictures the OCZ Roadster is really small. It's one of the smallest memory sticks I've ever seen. Currently, it's only available with a capacity of 1GB. For most people this should be enough, unless you want to carry a couple of movies and a bunch of MP3s with you. In that case, 1GB will be too small but for those people there are other options like OCZ's 8GB or 16GB Mega-Kart which is almost as small as a credit card.



I'm not sure OCZ can create bigger Roadsters because they are already so small. You can't really see this on the pictures but the black cap is empty, the flash memory is built into the USB connector. One of the positive things about this is that there are no wires or connectors that can be broken by flipping it open too much.

Lets take a quick look at the features and specifications:
  • High speed USB 2.0 certified
  • True Plug and Play
  • Foldable for compact transport
  • Designed to be small and functional
  • Compatible with: Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP, Linux kernel 2.4 or later and Mac OS 9 or later.
  • Three year warranty




Also included in the package is this nice USB extension cable. You just plug it into a USB port on the back of the PC so you always have a USB connector in front of you. This is pretty handy for devices like flash memory sticks or MP3 players.

Added: December 20th 2006
Product reviewed: OCZ Roadster 1GB Flash Memory Stick
Reviewer: Thomas De Maesschalck
Score: 8/10
Page: 1/2



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About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments

Comment #1 posted by Anonymous on 2009-08-07 00:08:28
I have laundered my Roadster four times, with no loss of data or functionality. I am impressed.


Comment #2 posted by Anonymous on 2007-05-22 22:58:25
I too have one of these OCZ Roadster's.

Although very good for what it does - stores 100's of floppies or 1/2 CDs worth of files, I found nagging flaws, one of which is that it is slow as molasses, especially if you want to write a couple hundred MB of files to it. What I'd expect to take seconds takes minutes. Just imagine copying a full GB to it in one very very long sit-and-wait and wait and wait and...

The strap chain broke the first day. Luckily (or rather unlucky) I didn't lose the flashdrive. I've since replaced the strap with the lanyard from my 256MB Sandisk Mini Cruzer that's lightning fast compared to this unit... but alas, the "Mini" Cruzer is 4x the physical size, requiring a dust cap to keep dirt, key tips from finding there way into the USB connector.

I'll continue to use the Roadster until something better (and faster!) comes along.